Wendy Yu Announces an Accelerator for Young Filmmakers at the Shanghai International Film Festival

This past week was a slight departure from fashion for me, as Yu Holdings proudly launched a new partnership with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts called “BAFTA Breakthrough China.” One of my key objectives and passions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is to support the growth of creative talent, in particular the rising stars of China. Having lived in the UK for many years, I had cultivated a close relationship with BAFTA and held the organization in high regard for their heritage and excellence, but also for all the work that they do behind the scenes to help mentor budding actors, writers, producers, and directors, which can really be game-changing for those starting out their careers in entertainment. The premise of BAFTA Breakthrough China is to identify Chinese talent through an application process and provide five winning honorees with the unique opportunity to be taken under BAFTA’s wing; duly incubating and accelerating them into the industry.

As we gathered in Shanghai to announce and celebrate this initiative during the Shanghai International Film Festival, it was a dream to have BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE and British Actor Tom Hiddleston (or “Dou Sen” as we have nicknamed him in China) join us in championing the importance of creative and cultural exchange of this nature.

The Marvel films have been a huge success in China and, needless to say, the very charming and mischievous “Loki” was warmly welcomed in Shanghai. He couldn’t have been more of a gentleman, and generous with his time and energy. From a press conference, cocktail reception and dinner to the SIFF closing awards ceremony, it was a whirlwind 48 hours. One of the highlights was standing atop the Peninsula hotel’s helipad with the incredible panoramic backdrop that is the city skyline. Before he left, I ensured Tom had a copy of “The Art of War” and “Dao De Jing: The Classic of the Virtue of the Tao,” two of my favorite books, in the hope that he would be even more inspired to come back to China soon.

With not long to go, the following days in Shanghai were about getting ready for Paris Couture. From meetings in our new office in the Jing’an district to a fitting with Caroline Hu—a wonderful Chinese New York-based designer who I have had my eye on and wanted to support—it was a jammed packed time. A bientôt!